Beamformer development challenges for 5G and beyond

Abstract

Antenna's beamforming technology [1] is vital in the utilization of the microwave and millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequency bands for the fifth-generation (5G) communication technology, and beyond, applications that include the sixth generation (6G), Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 [2,3]. Antenna beamforming can be defined as the ability of an antenna array to steer the maximum radiation toward a prescribed direction, or, conversely, the ability of the antenna array to estimate the direction of arrival (DOA) of an impinging signal. Beamforming is generally achieved by using multiple antennas, spatially colocated to either function as an independent radiator or as a unit cell in larger array arrangements. Recently, the term multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) has been used in conjugation with the beamforming technology since it also involves multiple antenna systems, thus linking it to the beamforming technology [4]. When the number of antennas used in the MIMO operation becomes very large, it is generally termed massive MIMO technology [5]. Different beamforming concepts are used for the two frequency spectrum classifications in cellular technology, i.e., sub-6 GHz and mmWave. The majority of beamformer challenges at sub-6 GHz are already resolved, and prototypes are now available [6]; however, there are still major fundamental challenges that engineers face while developing beamformers for use in the mmWave bands, i.e., >28 GHz. Challenges include, but are not limited to, high path loss, power generation, adaption to account for realistic channel estimation, hardware impairments, energy leakage in circuits, high development cost, spatial-temporal channel variations, signal blockages due to the presence of obstacles such as beamformer casing, user body and hand. Also, multiuser MIMO techniques are not easily implementable in mmWave frequencies. In addition to this, beam coordination at transmitter and receiver antenna systems especially in mmWave spectrum is very challenging. In this chapter, we will first classify the beamformers based on the system architecture, operational frequency

Millimeter-Wave Smart Antenna Solutions for URLLC in Industry 4.0 and Beyond

“…The development challenges in mmWave antenna beamforming networks are presented in [ 156 ] that need to be addressed in future research. The review of mmWave penetration, coverage, security, scalability, attenuation, and antenna array architecture is presented in [ 157 , 158 ].…”

“…In this view, the huge room is available to perform research to devise efficient, less complex, and low-cost analog/digital hybrid architectures for smart antenna systems. In a factory environment, multiple antenna systems with numerous radiating elements at the access point are particularly interesting options for obtaining very high data rates (mGbps) for users sharing the same spectrum at the same time [ 156 ].…”

Millimeter-wave Multimode Circular Array for Spatially Encoded Beamforming in a Wide Coverage Area

“…Uniform linear array (ULA) and uniform rectangular arrays (URA) are widely used in the first deployment phase of fifth generation of wireless communication (5G) radio access points, thanks to well known multiple-in-multiple-out (MIMO) antenna technique [5,7]. Due to congestion in the radio frequency spectrum, the next deployment phase of 5G is now looking for best communication solutions at the millimeter-wave (mmWave) spectrum [8,9]. The ULA and URA are limited in providing coverage along a maximum 180 • sector area, while relatively less explored circular array geometry has a promising feature of providing coverage in entire 360 • azimuth, making it a good choice for radio transmitters where 360 • sectoral coverage is preferred.…”